This role supports CCLA to grow its business through new prospects and client retention. As an RFP Associate, you will write high-quality, tailored responses to information requests, RFPs and due diligence questionnaires, using both new content and existing materials. You will also produce presentation materials including pitch packs.
The ability to write elegantly and thoughtfully is essential in this role. You will be required to interpret complex investment content for different audiences – in RFPs and presentational materials. Understanding the firm's products, investment strategies, and operational processes will be crucial. You will be working in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment, which requires the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
The overall goal of the Business Development Support team is to be responsive, accurate, and expedient to ensure a high calibre of service to clients, prospects and internal stakeholders. The team works closely with multiple internal departments to help achieve the goals of the business.
This role is not an Approved Function role.
Responsibilities
- Respond to requests for information (RFIs), formal tenders (RFPs), surveys and due diligence questionnaires (DDQs) in a timely manner and to a high standard. Reading clients’ requirements carefully, researching the trustees, the organisation’s website and so on will form part of delivering high-quality responses.
- Produce and maintain standard documentation for prospective clients such as quarterly standard RFIs and updating presentation packs (including data sourcing and maintenance).
- Support the creation of presentations and related materials for pitches and client review meetings.
- Maintain accuracy of grammar, spelling, and punctuation and format text, pictures, graphics, etc. for aesthetics, quality, and adherence to brand guidelines..
- Ensure all documents and presentations receive appropriate sign-offs prior to issuance
- Actively help manage the team’s workflow and ensure the pipeline of ongoing RFPs/DDQs is accurately updated and maintained.
- Maintenance of the content library, Qvidian, on an ongoing basis.
- Update databases (such as Door Funds and AssetQ), maintain the data library and manage data-related tasks supporting the business development process.
- Respond to ad-hoc enquiries received from intermediaries, clients, prospects and Client Services team.
- Undertake initial calls/enquiry calls with prospective clients and intermediaries.
- Proactively engage with all parties including internal teams (e.g. fund management, operations, compliance, legal and client service) to fulfil duties.
- Use client queries and sales feedback to innovate and improve the team’s output.
- Ongoing maintenance of the team’s documented processes and procedures.
- Escalate issues, where appropriate, to the Head of Business Development.
- Any other tasks as required by the business.
Competencies
- A demonstrable knowledge of investment asset classes and products.
- Effective communication skills, producing excellent written work and actively listening.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills.
- Strong team orientation but also self-motivated with the ability to work highly independently.
- Works in a highly organised and agile way, with an ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously to deadlines.
- Very strong attention to detail to ensure all materials are accurate, compliant and relevant procedures are followed.
- A collaborative and personalised approach to service commitment, delivery and continuous improvement.
- Intellectual curiosity, seeking learning and development opportunities.
Skills
- Writing compelling RFP response documents, including cover letters and executive summaries, ensuring that appropriate reviews and approvals are secured by set deadlines.
- Excellent communication skills allowing for collaborating with subject matter experts (SMEs) to address key questions and articulate our value proposition.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with SMEs ensuring information is reviewed and updated in our responses library.
- Excellent attention to detail ensuring written documents and presentations follow brand style and tone guidelines.
- Must be a team player and work collaboratively.
- Self-review and self-discipline to continually seek improvements in the written content and presentation of materials.
- Must have strong project management skills and adhere to tight deadlines.
Experience/qualification
- Five to ten years of RFP writing experience is desirable however we will be open to other candidates with a minimum of three years’ experience in asset management.
- Strong IT skills, intermediate or advanced, Word, Excel and PowerPoint are essential.
- Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
- Proficiency in RFP response software (e.g. Qvidian) is a plus.
- Strong technical knowledge will be exceptionally beneficial.